Greater New Orleans

Born on the Fourth of July -- more than a century ago

Dena Olivier, president of the Poydras Home board of trustees, with Katherine Bergeret, 102, born on the Fourth of July

That's not a forecast of the temperature, but the age of the oldest resident at Poydras Home in Uptown New Orleans. Katherine Kammer Bergeret, born on Independence Day in 1910, turns 102 today.

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Mrs. Bergeret is a graduate of McGehee School and Newcomb College. At Newcomb, she studied under famed artist Ellsworth Woodward. She also studied at the Art Institute in Chicago, and worked as a commercial artist. She married a Tulane graduate, Eugene Bergeret, and raised two children in New Orleans.

Mrs. Bergeret has been a much-celebrated resident of Poydras Home since 2005. She is known for always being impeccably dressed, and has never worn a pair of slacks in her life.

Mrs. Bergeret, also admired for her calm demeanor, dry wit and fascinating recollections, will celebrate her birthday with cake at lunchtime surrounded by friends.